"Underwear Actually Worn by the Actress"...Bra Soars to $30,000—What's Behind the Hype?

Marilyn Monroe's 100th Anniversary Auction Draws Attention
Lipsticks, Letters, and Furniture Fetch High Prices

Marilyn Monroe's underwear put up for auction. Screenshot from Julien's Auctions website

Personal belongings of Marilyn Monroe, the sex symbol of the century, have appeared at auction, drawing intense attention. In this auction held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of her birth, intimate items such as underwear and cosmetics are selling for far above their estimated prices, generating a heated response.

According to the New York Post and other outlets on June 7, American auction house Julien's Auctions, in collaboration with the movie channel TCM, is currently holding a special "100 Years of Marilyn" auction at The Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel in the United States. Approximately 180 items, including Monroe's possessions, photographs, clothing, and personal effects, are up for bid, with fierce competition among collectors from around the world.

'Attention Drawn to the Most Intimate Items'

One of the highlights of this auction is a 1950s brassiere actually worn by Monroe. Originally estimated at $1,000 to $2,000, it has already surpassed $7,000 in the pre-bidding stage, far exceeding expectations. Julien's Auctions predicts that once the main auction begins in earnest, the final winning bid will easily exceed $20,000.

Martin Nolan, CEO overseeing the auction, explained, "The public remains powerfully drawn to Monroe's captivating image," adding, "The more personal the item, the more it feels directly connected to her, which drives up its value."

Items of Marilyn Monroe's belongings up for auction. Screenshot from Julian's Auction website

So-called "everyday items" from Monroe's life are also fetching high prices. The Max Factor lipstick and cosmetics set that Monroe used have already reached several thousand dollars, demonstrating their immense popularity. Some lipsticks have even been sold for prices exceeding $10,000.

Other items included in the auction, such as handwritten letters, movie contracts, and exercise equipment, offer glimpses into her life. Notably, a sofa and a decorative tapestry used during photo shoots each fetched over $250,000, setting new record prices.

The 'Monroe Myth' Continues After 100 Years

This auction is evolving beyond a simple transaction into a cultural event commemorating Monroe. Across the United States, exhibitions, performances, and large-scale fan gatherings have taken place, with thousands of fans in Palm Springs, California recreating some of her iconic outfits.

Actor Marilyn Monroe. Still cut from the movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Born as Norma Jeane Mortenson and enduring a difficult childhood, Monroe rose to global stardom as a model and actress. She enjoyed her heyday through films such as "Some Like It Hot" and "Niagara," but her life ended tragically at the young age of 36, leaving behind a poignant legacy.

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